Dates: May 26 to June 3, 2027
Five islands.
Plenty of ferry rides.
And some of the most beautiful landscapes on Scotland’s west coast.
We’ll explore Arran, Kerrera, Mull, Ulva and Iona, walking coastal paths and glen trails as we experience the landscapes, history and communities that make Scotland’s islands so special.
Along the way, we’ll wander through Arran’s glens, explore tiny island communities, spend time in colorful Tobermory and cross the Sound of Iona to an island that holds a special place in both Scotland’s history and my heart.
But this adventure is about more than the islands.
At Dunadd Fort and Kilmartin Glen — one of my favorite places in Scotland — we’ll step into thousands of years of history among ancient standing stones, burial cairns and rock carvings.
We’ll also experience some of Scotland’s food and drink, hear local stories and meet some of the people who call this part of the country home.
There will be beautiful walks, dramatic landscapes, ancient history, wonderful food and drink and, naturally, plenty of ferry crossings.
After our time on the islands, we’ll finish beside Loch Lomond with one final opportunity to slow down and enjoy the Scottish landscape.
If you love beautiful landscapes, time outdoors, history and experiencing a destination at a slower pace, this adventure offers a memorable way to discover Scotland’s west coast and islands.
Important to know:
Other things to know:
Our island adventure begins in Glasgow, where we’ll meet our fellow travelers before making our way to the coast and catching our first ferry of the trip.
And there will be more ferries to come!
After crossing the Firth of Clyde, we’ll arrive in Brodick on the Isle of Arran, our home for the next few days.
We’ll stop for a coffee before setting out on foot for our first taste of the island.
Following a beautiful section of the Arran Coastal Way south from Brodick, we’ll walk along the coast toward Lamlash, with views across the water to Holy Isle along the way.
It’s a relatively gentle introduction to the walking ahead and a wonderful way to begin experiencing an island often described as “Scotland in miniature.”
After our walk, we’ll return to Brodick and settle into our hotel before gathering for our first dinner together and looking ahead to the adventure to come.
Overnight: Isle of Arran – Auchrannie Resort
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 5 miles / 8 km, 394 ft / 120m elevation gain, apprx 2.5 hours
Please note: Pre-night(s) in Glasgow available upon request.
This morning, we’ll head into the beautiful glens of Arran for a walk through a landscape of hills, woodland, tumbling burns, pools and waterfalls.
It’s a shorter walking day, giving us plenty of time to slow down, enjoy the scenery and experience another side of the island after yesterday’s coastal walk.
After lunch, we’ll turn our attention to another important — and perhaps slightly magical — part of Scottish culture — whisky!
We’ll visit one of Arran’s whisky distilleries to learn more about how uisge beatha — the “water of life” — is made.
And naturally, there may be an opportunity for a dram or two.
We’ll return to Brodick later in the afternoon, and the evening is yours to enjoy.
Head out for dinner, find a local pub or simply relax at the hotel before we say goodbye to Arran tomorrow.
Overnight: Isle of Arran — Auchrannie Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 3 miles / 5km, 492 ft / 150m elevation gain, apprx 2 hours
Today we say goodbye to Arran and board another ferry, crossing to the Kintyre Peninsula before continuing north into Argyll.
Our first stop is Dunadd Fort, which rises above the Moine Mhòr at the southern end of Kilmartin Glen.
A fort stood here some 2000 years ago, and Dunadd later became an important royal center for Gaelic kings from the 6th through the 9th centuries.
Among the intriguing features carved into the rock are two human footprints, which may have been used during ceremonies to inaugurate new kings — symbolically connecting the ruler to the land beneath his feet.
From Dunadd, we’ll continue into Kilmartin Glen — one of my favorite places in Scotland.
This extraordinary landscape contains hundreds of prehistoric and historic sites, including standing stones, stone circles, burial cairns and ancient rock carvings.
With evidence of thousands of years of human activity concentrated within the glen, there are layers of history everywhere you look.
Joined by a local guide, we’ll explore some of Kilmartin Glen’s most fascinating sites on foot and learn more about the people who lived, worshipped and buried their dead here thousands of years ago.
After our walk through history, we’ll continue to Arduaine, near Oban, and our hotel overlooking Loch Melfort, where we’ll settle in for the evening.
Overnight: Arduaine (near Oban) — Loch Melfort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walk Details: 3 miles / 5km through Kilmartin Glen
Today we add another Scottish island to our adventure — the small Isle of Kerrera, just across the water from Oban.
We’ll make the short crossing of the Sound of Kerrera by passenger ferry.
Then we’ll set out on foot to explore the southern half of this peaceful island, home to a small community of around 100 people.
Our circular walk takes us through a wonderfully varied landscape of hills, coastline and open countryside, with beautiful views across the water toward the Isle of Mull.
A little preview of where we’re headed next.
Along the way, we’ll reach the ruins of Gylen Castle, dramatically perched above the coast.
Built in the 16th century by Clan MacDougall, the castle occupies a spectacular position overlooking the Firth of Lorn and the surrounding islands.
After completing our loop, we’ll make the short ferry crossing back to the mainland and return to our hotel in Arduaine.
The rest of the day is ours to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
And after six miles of walking around Kerrera, perhaps a Scottish gin is in order!
Overnight: Arduaine (near Oban) — Loch Melfort Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walk Details: 6 miles / 10km, 984 ft / 300m elevation gain, apprx 5 hours
Today we make our way north to Oban to catch the ferry to one of my favorite Scottish islands — the Isle of Mull.
After crossing the Firth of Lorn, we’ll travel north across the island to Tobermory.
With its colorful waterfront overlooking the bay, this small harbor town is one of the most recognizable places on Mull.
We’ll have time to wander along the waterfront, explore the shops and simply enjoy some time in this wonderful wee town.
Later, we’ll experience another side of Mull with a local activity.
We may visit an award-winning cheesemaker or perhaps head to the coast for a foraging experience — a chance to connect with some of the people, traditions and flavors of the island.
At the end of the day, we’ll make our way south to Craignure and settle into our hotel overlooking the water.
Overnight: Isle of Mull — Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today we add another island to our journey as we make the short crossing from Mull to the Isle of Ulva.
Located just off Mull’s west coast, Ulva is home to fewer than 20 permanent residents and offers a wonderfully peaceful landscape to explore on foot.
We’ll make our way across the island and along part of its southern coast, walking through a landscape rich in both wildlife and history.
With few roads and a tiny population, Ulva gives us a chance to experience a quieter side of life in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides.
Along the way, we’ll pass the ruins of a homestead once connected to the family of Scottish explorer and missionary David Livingstone, whose grandparents lived on Ulva before leaving the island.
After our walk, we’ll make the short crossing back to Mull and return to our hotel.
This evening, we’ll head into Tobermory, where the night is yours.
Find a restaurant for dinner, settle into a pub, and perhaps catch some live traditional music along the way.
Overnight: Isle of Mull — Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 5 miles / 8km, 656 ft / 200m elevation gain, apprx 4 hours
Today we travel across Mull to Fionnphort, where a short ferry ride across the Sound of Iona brings us to the tiny Isle of Iona — our furthest point west on this adventure.
And a wee island that I absolutely love.
For such a small island, Iona holds an extraordinary place in Scotland’s history.
In AD 563, St Columba arrived here from Ireland and founded a monastery that became an important center of Christianity and learning.
We’ll visit Iona Abbey before setting out on foot to explore more of the island, where centuries of history sit alongside beautiful beaches, rocky coastline and views across the Hebrides.
We’ll also make our way up Dun I, the highest point on Iona.
From its summit, we’ll be rewarded with far-reaching views across the island and Scotland’s western seaboard — weather permitting, of course.
Just below the summit lies the Well of Eternal Youth, a small pool tucked into a rocky cleft.
Tradition says that splashing your face with its water will preserve your youth.
Obviously, we’re trying it. 😉
After more time exploring Iona, we’ll catch the ferry back to Mull and return to our hotel.
Tonight, we’ll gather for a celebratory dinner and raise a glass to five islands, countless beautiful landscapes, plenty of ferry crossings and one incredible journey through Scotland’s west coast and islands.
But we still have one more night…
Overnight: Isle of Mull — Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walk Details: 5 miles / 8km, 394 ft / 120m elevation gain, apprx 3 hrs
This morning, we’ll catch the ferry from Mull back to the mainland and begin making our way south.
We’ll stop along the way for a stroll on the beach before settling in for a leisurely lunch at a seafood restaurant overlooking Scotland’s beautiful west coast.
After several active days, there’s no need to rush this one.
Then we’ll leave the coast behind and continue toward Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park for a final taste of Scotland’s wonderful landscapes.
Depending on the day, we may head out onto Loch Lomond for a relaxing boat trip or enjoy a gentle walk along its shores.
Either way, we’ll have time to slow down and enjoy our final afternoon together.
Later, we’ll make our way to Balmaha and perhaps enjoy a drink before gathering for our final dinner.
From Arran to Kerrera, Mull, Ulva and Iona — with Kilmartin Glen and plenty of ferry crossings along the way — we’ll have a lot of stories to share from our journey through Scotland’s west coast and islands.
Overnight: Balmaha — Oak Tree Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll leave Balmaha and make our way back to Glasgow, arriving at Glasgow Airport in the late morning.
It’s time to say goodbye after nine days of islands, ancient history, coastal walks, wonderful food and drink, and more than a few ferry crossings along the way.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Please note: Post night accommodation in Glasgow available upon request
